OUTLOOK: It was a sigh of relief for Gaylord to spring win No. 1 last week in Alpena. Now, the competition increases the next two weeks as the Blue Devils must face a pair of 6-1 teams: Ogemaw Heights and Cadillac.

ABOUT OGEMAW: It appeared as if the Northeast Michigan Conference (NEMC) race was shaping up to be a good one, but the Falcons made a profound statement in their last two league games, topping fellow favorites Bay City John Glenn (21-7) and Pinconning (50-14). The team’s only loss this season came in a 24-15 battle against undefeated Petoskey.

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As usual, Ogemaw Heights is a very good team who plays exceptionally well at home. Quarterback John Hughes is the latest in the Falcons’ tradition of dual threat quarterbacks. He is the top threat to run on what is a decorated rushing attack. Ogemaw throws backs at opposing defenses in waves. Sheldon Roberto, Tyler Brindley, Charlie Murdock and Greg Awrey, among others, have all had big games this season. Kyle Bellor and Alex Jennings provide downfield threats at receiver.

Brindley and Lance Griffus are the top players on an outstanding defensive unit.

ABOUT GAYLORD: Gaylord continued to show offensive improvement against the Wildcats, collecting 295 yards of total offense. Senior Geoff Roney has ran wild the last two weeks, combining for 258 yards. The Devils also completed their first touchdown pass of the season when senior Austin Samkowiak hit Trent Donker on a 62-yard scoring pass that gave the Blue Devils the win with less than two minutes to go. Donker was a big-play machine against the Wildcats, as he also added an interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. It was also Gaylord’s best defensive showing of the season. Linebacker Kelton Hervela has been a steady force.

THE LAST WORD: Gaylord continues to show improvement, which is the important thing. Ogemaw Heights, too, has improved as the season has moved along, and appears poised for a playoff run.

St. Mary Snowbirds (7-0) at Bellaire Eagles (0-7)

RADIO: 101. 5 FM (9:30 p.m. tape delay)

LAST WEEK: Central Lake 23, Bellaire 6; St. Mary 47, Pellston 0

LAST YEAR: St. Mary 44, Bellaire 6

SERIES: St. Mary leads 26-15

OUTLOOK: Staying healthy is paramount for the Snowbirds, who have the biggest game of the season next week at Johannesburg-Lewiston.

ABOUT BELLAIRE: The Eagles were forced to forfeit a game three weeks ago, but have returned to full strength and haven’t played that bad the past two weeks, falling to Inland Lakes 22-12 and Central Lake 23-6.

The Eagles are in the process of installing the veer offense, which is a version of the option. That means the Snowbirds will have to be disciplined in their assignments and will have to contain quarterback Josh Sheneman, who is a good athlete. On defense, Steve Apfel is not only the team’s top tacklers, but he is one of the top tacklers in the Ski Valley Conference.

ABOUT ST. MARY: The Snowbirds have impressed all season long and have outscored their opponents a combined 286-50. They lead the Ski Valley Conference in both points per game and points allowed per game.

Creating turnovers has been a key part of the team’s attack. After creating six of them two weeks ago against Oscoda, they added another three in a blowout win against Pellston. Matt Churches and Joe Payton each had fumble recoveries, while Peter Spyhalski snagged an interception. Spyhalski leads the area with three picks on the season.

Offensively, St. Mary has proven it can move the football a number of different ways . Four different Snowbirds — Spyhalski, Justin Malczyk, Justin Rutkowski and Adam Palmer — scored running touchdowns Friday, while Spyhalski hit Malczyk and Clay Becker on touchdown passes.

A trio of Snowbirds — Phil Keck, Patrick Switalski and Mike Burzynski — have been banged up the past couple of weeks. The hope is they can return in time for the J-L game and a playoff run.

St. Mary is currently ranked No.5 in both the Detroit Free Press and Associated Press Division 8 polls.

THE LAST WORD: It’s another mismatch game for the Snowbirds, who will likely build a big lead rather quickly. That will allow many of the St. Mary youngsters to see playing time that will be invaluable for the future.